[klaus96]

I have a low end sharp mini dv video camera and when I try to playback the video I just recorded, the screen is blue. If you hit rewind or ffwd while in play mode you can see the image. I noticed that when I was recording I had a red X on the middle of the screen. This means the head is dirty. I bought and used a cleaning tape (sony) and cleaned and cleaned it. Still happens. Do you think getting serviced at a camera shop for a head adjustment will help?

[iSpec]

Try a different tape. I had a Sony camcorder using Sony tapes, dirty, dirty, dirty.
Had it serviced by Sony, they replaced some expensive parts which made no difference. I cleaned the deck, changed the tape and that was that. Although I had included the tape with the camcorder and made a reference to it on the service order, Sony did not want to know. So, no more Sony for me...

Don't know about Sharp service, but I guess it's worth cleaning the deck and then try another tape (another brand?) before having it serviced.

[linskyjack]

Your heads are most likely defective or worn out---It's not worth repairing if they have to be replaced

[klaus96]

Thanks. I'll try the tape theory first. I can't imagine the heads being worn out, but maybe defective as we haven't used it that much.